shocks for the DIY'er

[FGG]

OK, I have done the obligatory search of all relevant info on lowering an NSX and I am not sure I can piece together the info to make an intelligent decision on whether to go with shocks or springs to achieve a @1 inch drop in the car to close the wheel well gap; so help is requested!

I think I want to do shocks so that I can have the adjustable option if I am not happy with the ride height.

My real interest here is to make the installation myself as a winter project if it is within the capability of someone with average, ok, maybe less than average, mechanical competence. I am only guessing, but would shocks be an "easier" install than springs?

Price is not the concern here between springs and shocks.

Also, if I am going to touch the car to do shocks, should I add wheel spacers just to get the stock wheels out a bit?

My wheels are 16/17 and I have 225/45/16 on the front and 255/40/17 on the rear.

I am anticipating a wheel alignment being necessary after I tackle this job, if at all.

So, what do the experts say?

 

[DangerMoney]

Unless you're talking about adjustable coil-overs, shocks have nothing to do with ride height. Springs determine ride height. Plain-vanilla shocks control dynamic motion.

If you're thinking about adjustable coil-overs there's three things that *may* be adjustable depending upon which ones you buy:
1. compression damping
2. rebound damping
3. ride-height.

If you're looking at "adjustable" shocks, ask what exactly is adjustable.


Pulling suspension off the NSX is best done with the car up on a rack. You'll need two people to get the rear shocks off and other rear suspension components will have to be loosened to accomplish it. It also takes a hellishly big pry-bar and two people unless you plan on taking the whole rear suspension apart.

Yes, you'll need to have the car aligned afterwards. Set the ride height first- then align. If you've got the tools and know-how, you can do a ball-park alignment yourself. The final aligment can then be done on a alignment machine.

 

[KGP]

Price is not the concern here between springs and shocks.

Then you might want to check out the new Moton adjustable coil-over system. More here. After you find out how much they are, you might want to look at some of the other coil-overs.

 

[DanO]

Both shocks and springs can be used in conjunction to adjust ride height. Shocks like the standard Bilsteins have two possible spring perch settings, one setting retains the OEM height and the other setting drops the ride height about 7/8”. Bilsteins w/ OEM springs is a common combo in the NSX community. Keep in mind that while the standard NSX Bilsteins have an adjustable perch, it is only adjustable at the time of installation and once they are installed, the ride height is fixed. Some coilovers allow ride height adjustment after installation.

The DIY job can be a tough one physically, but if you’ve got all winter to do it… It doesn’t really matter if you only replace springs, shocks or both—it’s essentially the same DIY project either way. You’ll need a spring compressor tool to aid in the procedure.

Good luck,

DanO

 

[FGG]

Thanks for the info DanO. The first reply to my inquiry suggested ride height cannot be affected by shocks, which caused me to believe that I must have been halucinating when I thought search info suggested the ride height could be affected with after market shocks. In any event, your info has restored my understanding that a set of Bilsteins ( or other shocks) can be used in conjunction with the existing OEM springs to lower the ride height around an inch to accomplish my goal.

 

[Hiroshima]

I used Dan-o's instructions on NSXSC.com (do a seach there) and they were very helpful. I also did a writeup that gave similar but a slightly different approach that will make things easier for you (I Think)

But one other point of interest. Your 225/45/16's will rub if you lower your car with stock wheels. I have the same size tire with stock wheels and they tires rub on the inside. I am getting some spacers to correct but thought you might like to know.

Good Luck.

Jeff

 

[FGG]

Thankyou Hiroshima.

 

[wilsonp]

I have the Bilstein's on lower perches with OEM springs, and it dropped my car about an inch (front lip 4.5" off the ground). It looks a lot better, and I wouldn't want it lower (it scrapes a little more daily driving now).

Barnman did it for me using just a jack and his wise know how - his best tip was being really careful about the ABS sensor wire (he pulled it and re-installed it).